Round Rock · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Round Rock public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Kenney Fort Boulevard, Segment 5 right-of-way acquisition
The city wants to use eminent domain to take 1.082 acres from the Estates of Settlers Park Owners Association and 0.051 acre from the Dixon family to build the Kenney Fort Boulevard Segment 5 widening. It's a key north-side road project, but it means acquiring private property over the owners' objection if negotiations fail.
Old Settlers Bridge rehabilitation
The council will consider hiring Taylor Bridge, LLC to rehabilitate the Old Settlers Bridge, a historic crossing in the community.
CR 118 road and utility improvements land acquisition
A third eminent domain resolution would let the city take 0.976 acre plus wastewater and construction easements from CSTX USX Accommodation, LLC for CR 118 improvements. The project bundles road work with sewer utility expansion.
Gattis School Road and Greenlawn Boulevard project change orders
Two change orders would adjust quantities on ongoing road projects: Gattis School Road Segment 3 with Cash Construction and the Greenlawn Boulevard widening with Austin Engineering. Change orders usually mean scope or cost shifts on active construction.
Water and Wastewater Capital Improvements Plan progress
The city reviews every six months how its water and sewer capital projects are keeping pace with growth, and whether the impact fees funding them are being applied fairly. Residents may see this reflected in utility rates and the pace of new service extensions.
Roadway Impact Fee Program
Two items cover the roadway side: the routine semi-annual progress report and a broader Roadway Impact Fee Study Update. Together they could influence how much developers contribute toward major road projects — and, indirectly, the cost of new construction in Round Rock.
Fire Department Driver Promotional Exam Appeal
Eligible candidates filed an appeal regarding the Fire Department Driver promotional examination administered on October 12, 2026. The commission was set to review the test items and make a final decision.
Economic Development Incentives
Round Rock approved a $600,000 incentive grant for semiconductor manufacturer PulseForge to expand its operations, investing $20 million and creating 60 high-paying jobs with average wages over $100,000.
Penfold Theatre Grant Agreement Renewal
The city extended its financial partnership with Penfold Theatre Company for three years, providing phased hotel occupancy tax grant funding as the theatre builds long-term financial self-sufficiency.
Roadway Infrastructure Improvements
The council approved several change orders and interlocal agreements for local road projects, fiber optic expansion, and transit center repairs.
Airco Mechanical Industrial Expansion
The city considered an economic development incentive agreement with PulseForge, Inc., which could bring business investment or expansion to Round Rock. A public hearing was scheduled to gather community input on the project.
2026 National Electric Code Adoption
Texas law requires the city to keep pace with the state's electrical code, so building electrical standards are being updated to the 2026 edition. It's routine, cost-free, and takes effect January 1, 2027 — but it's what inspectors will enforce on new construction and permits.
Downtown Food Vendor Permits
A new state law forced updates to Round Rock's food truck rules. Practically nothing changes for existing trucks — but pushcarts can now qualify as mobile food vendors if they meet the same location requirements, potentially meaning more carts around town.
Williamson County Fiber Optic Interlocal Agreement
Williamson County plans to expand its fiber optic network through city rights-of-way at no cost to the city, providing Round Rock with six pairs of fiber optic cabling and a conduit sleeve under I-35.
Verona Tract Annexation into Municipal Utility District
KB Home purchased the 72-acre Verona Tract next to the Salerno subdivision and is seeking to amend the development agreement to incorporate the land into the city MUD for single-family housing.
Citizen Agenda Access
The City Council will preview upcoming items for their next regular meeting to ensure smooth governance and give members a chance to ask staff questions.
Regional Utility Authority Operations
The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority board is meeting to manage regional water infrastructure and handle administrative resolutions. These discussions ensure reliable water services for partner communities.
Water Treatment and Transmission Agreement Renewal with Georgetown
The Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority board is meeting to manage regional water infrastructure and handle administrative resolutions. These discussions ensure reliable water services for partner communities.
Water Infrastructure and Fire Station Land Acquisition
The city is updating real estate agreements with Nelson Homestead Family Partnership to secure land for a new water storage tank, pump station, and fire station. These projects are critical for expanding public safety and utility infrastructure to support growing neighborhoods.
Gattis School Road Segment 2 Right-of-Way Acquisition
The city acquired necessary right-of-way for the Gattis School Road Segment 2 improvement project, which will widen the road to four lanes and add a shared-use path.
New Public Safety and Utility Infrastructure Sites
Round Rock is expanding its footprint by securing land for a future fire station and a water storage tank/pump station.
Graffiti Abatement Ordinance Revision
The city updated its graffiti removal ordinance to give property owners 15 days to clean up vandalism while providing free cleanup services. Officials stressed that property owners are victims and will not face liens or financial penalties.
Utility Rate Adjustments
Residents will see a slight bump in their monthly trash bill starting in November due to a 3.86% CPI adjustment, moving the standard residential rate from $24.69 to $25.51.
October 8 Agenda Preview and Staff Briefings
The City Council will preview upcoming agenda items for their October 8 meeting and discuss reports with city staff.
Old Settlers Buildout Project Change Order
The council will vote on a contract change order with Spawglass Constructors for ongoing work at the Lakeview portion of Old Settlers Park. This affects park amenities and municipal capital improvement spending.
The District Development
Mark IV Capital received a site-wide variance to allow alcohol sales within 300 feet of a public school at The District, clearing the way for future restaurants, grocers, and retailers.
Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Update
The council will hear a quarterly report from the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, highlighting local economic development and business initiatives.
Heritage Trail East Construction and Master Plan Update
Approval of a $6.59 million contract to Patin Construction to bridge the gap in the Heritage Trail between Mays and Georgetown streets, completing a major east-west pedestrian corridor.
FY 2027 City Budget and Tax Rate
The city is moving forward with a $684.1 million budget and a tax rate increase to 42.3 cents per $100 valuation, funding public safety staffing and voter-approved bond projects. The typical homeowner will see about an $11.64 monthly increase on their property tax bill.
Parks Master Plan and Trails Network Expansion
The council adopted the Round Rock Trails Plan update to Playbook 2030, charting a connected network of multi-use trails and discussing economic development opportunities along trail corridors.
ESD-9 Sales Tax and Property Tax Interlocal Agreement
An updated agreement with Emergency Services District No. 9 will bring in an estimated $3 million in new sales tax revenue on top of $5.5 million in property taxes to help fund local fire operations.
Transportation Capital Improvements Program Funding Amendment
Round Rock is adding $15.5 million to its Type B road program to buy land for Kenney Fort Boulevard and Wyoming Springs Drive extensions. City staff say adjustments elsewhere in the capital program helped offset the cost, keeping overall spending steady.
2026 Property Tax Rate
The city is setting a maximum tax rate of 42.3 cents to cover rising costs for public safety and debt from past bonds.
Five-Year Funds Allocation Plan
The city approved a $349.4 million spending plan dedicated heavily to transportation improvements, economic growth, and parks across Round Rock over the next five years.
Section 106 Federal Rule Changes
Proposed federal changes could weaken the review process for historic sites, making it easier for projects to bypass preservation oversight.
Palm House Restoration
The city is moving forward with restoring the historic 1873 Palm House, which will be relocated to the Old Settlers Association grounds for public use.
Historic Design Guidelines Update
The commission was scheduled to discuss updates to the guidelines that govern historic commercial and residential properties.
Multi-Family Housing Policy Update
The city is updating its 14-year-old rules on apartment construction to allow for more modern, urban-style developments that better fit current market needs.
Certificate of Appropriateness for 607 E. Main Street
The commission was scheduled to review a proposed project at 607 E. Main Street to ensure it fits the area's historic character.
FY 2026-2027 Operating Budget and Five-Year Plan
The corporation reviewed its third-quarter financial standing and approved both the annual operating budget and a five-year allocation plan to guide future economic development and transportation projects.
Traffic Safety at Chandler Creek and Kenney Fort
The city is installing a four-way stop at East New Hope Drive and Mayfield Ranch Boulevard after traffic studies showed it met safety warrants.
Public Transit Services
Staff provided an update on public transit ridership, noting strong demand for the Round Rock Rides on-demand service while announcing a forthcoming transit master plan to evaluate fixed routes and future contract options.
Data Center Development
A resident raised concerns about the impact of data centers on electricity and water usage, questioning the council's previous approval.
Preserve at Stone Oak PUD Amendment
A developer wants to add retail to a residential area. Neighbors are worried about traffic and noise, so the city is requiring buffers and specific design rules.
Home Repair Grant Funding
The city is looking to use leftover COVID-19 relief money to help residents with essential home repairs like plumbing and HVAC. This will help clear a waiting list of 5-12 families.
FLOCK Camera Surveillance
A resident expressed concerns about the expansion of the FLOCK camera program, citing privacy and civil liberty issues.
Meadows Neighborhood Drainage and Utility Upgrades
The city is evaluating how to handle aging water and sewer lines in areas outside city limits, like the Meadows at Chandler Creek, to avoid high costs for local taxpayers.
Board and Commission Appointments
Round Rock is currently taking applications for open spots on its local advisory boards and commissions. It's your chance to actually get involved and help shape local decisions instead of just complaining about them.
Historic Property Tax Exemption Program
The city offers a 75% tax break on city property taxes for historic homes, provided owners keep up with maintenance. The commission is cracking down on owners who repeatedly fail to fix issues like rotting wood or structural damage.
Commercial Parking Requirements
The city is considering removing minimum parking rules for businesses to help them grow and reduce excess pavement. This could make it easier for new shops and restaurants to open in existing centers.